Browsed byCategory: Meditation

“Singing or chanting are very beautiful and beneficial ways of channeling emotional energy.” ~Swami Rama

On one of my recent trips up north, I decided to spend an evening in Rishikesh specially to attend the Ganga Aarti (a ritual of worship by the river Ganga) at Parmarth Niketan. I had heard a lot about it and the last time we were there, we had missed it due to an extended session of river rafting. This time I made sure I was there well before it started. The sun was yet to set and the sky was still lit with orange hues. The priests had just finished arranging the aartis. The crowd was gradually stepping in and finding their place on the steps by the river bank. And then it began.

The air was soon filled with the soothing sounds of live chanting and soulful music. The vibration of the mantras was pulsating. The focus had subconsciously shifted towards positivity. I was amazed to see a group of young boys with special places facing the river to perform the aarti. The atmosphere was pious and pristine. With more people joining in the aarti, the divine energy of the group kept rising. Age, country and language had no barriers as there were Indians and foreigners together enjoying the rhythmic reverberations. I could feel the goosebumps of this positive spiritual energy that surrounded us by the river Ganga. ‘Maa Ganga.. Ganga Maa…’. ‘Maha Mrityunjaya mantra..’ and other resonating mantras seemed to raise the aura of all present. So profound was the awareness of the moment. Yet so intense was the consciousness to be easily lost in a trance!

This whole experience got me thinking of how mantras and prayers have always been an integral part of our tradition. We were introduced to mantras in our childhood when it was so easy to rote learn without questioning what they meant. Chanting of mantras is an ancient practise of Vedic origin but transcends all languages and religions. Be it in Jainism, Buddhism, Islamic or Hebrew, prayers and mantras are used to invoke the Divine entities. Long before science could support it, mantras were instrumental in healing practices. So also mantras were used to initiate a relaxed state of mind before going into meditation. They have a frequency that helps us align with our higher consciousness. Mantras act as a vehicle for our awareness to move inward. A means to the path of enlightenment.

It is scientifically proven that music and sounds have a positive effect on our body and mind. Here are the benefits of chanting mantras:

Calms our mind

Stimulates the brain cortex

Reduces the heart rate

Improves blood pressure

Charges the nervous system

Synchronizes the right and left brain hemispheres

Awakens our creative processes

Removes energy blocks and energises our chakras

Increases our level of concentration and focus

There are groups of ladies I’m aware of that use mantra chanting for eradicating troubles in other lives. Of helping people they don’t even know of by the sheer power of group chanting and praying. ‘Om’ chanting is a regular feature in yoga and meditation practices. There are many chanting classes burgeoning world- wide. And it doesn’t matter if they do not get the pronunciation right of the Sanskrit mantras. The benefits of meeting together and chanting, feeling the group energy rise and connecting with our inner self far outweigh the challenges of language or diction.

That memorable evening by the Ganges will be etched in my memory for a really long time. It has reinforced my belief and faith in chanting mantras. It is a practice I want to consistently reiterate with my children. I hope more and more people embrace this powerful practice in their daily lives.

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“She will rise, with the spine of steel, and a roar like thunder, she will rise.” ~Nicole Lyons

It is that time of the year in India when the Hindu festival of Navratri is being celebrated with great pomp and fanfare. Navratri, which means nine nights, is considered to be the sacred period during which nine different forms of the Goddess are worshipped. From a spiritual perspective, it is also considered to be the time for introspection and taking the inward journey with your source. So during this sacrosanct time, when I heard about a workshop that helps you connect with the Goddess within, I was curious to know more. And when I learnt that different meditations related to the Goddesses were a part of this workshop, I simply had to do it. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

‘Living the Goddess Principle’ was a one-day workshop facilitated by ‘Joy for Life’, an energy space created through the empowered deLIGHT of two beautiful souls – Ellaeenah and Jogita. ‘Joy For Life’ is based on the cosmic premise that joy and abundance is the divine right for all. Bach Flower Remedies, Ho’oponopono, Crystals, Meditation, Angels, Sacred Geometry, Chakric energisation and more find their happy place here.

How does one express the intangible benefits of attending a spiritual workshop? Here’s my account of a humbling experience in connecting with the Goddess within –

The Divine Feminine Principle

The workshop began with a wonderful explanation on the duality in the forces of the universe and the significance of maintaining the balance between them. For every masculine there is a feminine energy, each of us having masculine and feminine energies within us in different proportions. These divine energies are not independent of each other but are essentially the twin faces of the Divine Consciousness. Even though they appear to be opposite, in reality they complement each other.

The divine feminine principle is the creative force that sets the direction of evolution, whereas the divine masculine principle is the executive force that follows through on that direction. However over the years, with the advent of science and technology, the intuitive divine feminine energy has been suppressed by the egoistic divine masculine energy. In order to reclaim the balance in our universe, it is essential for both these energies to perfectly blend within us, so that a shift in consciousness takes place in the outer world as well.

After a blissful meditation to bring to life the inner Shakti Goddess energy, we moved on to understanding and living the Goddess Principle.

Being the Goddesses

The Goddess Principle is the Cosmic Force of Universal Consciousness. It is by our own embodying through thoughts, words and actions that we bring alive this dormant energy. When we begin to express the qualities of different Goddesses is when we align with their frequencies and consequentially, their gifts naturally come to us. This was reiterated during the day with the help of beautiful meditations on the different Goddesses. The underlying thought was to help us realise that they reside in each of us.

Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and the universal symbol of abundance in all areas of life – wealth, relationships, knowledge, health, beauty, etc. She represents attainment of goals through knowledge and discernment. Sitting on a lotus symbolizes that even with dirt around us, we can retain our purity. Being Lakshmi means living the qualities this divine energy represents. Imbalance in any area of life is Lakshmi imbalance. To attract Lakshmi, we must be Lakshmi.

Saraswati is the goddess associated with education, music and language. She is a symbol of creative expression imparting us with the gifts of wisdom. The chanting of ‘Om’ and the cosmic sounds are associated with this goddess. To connect with her energies is to unite with our deeper spiritual truths.

Durgain Sanskrit means the ‘fortress’, the unassailable and the invincible. She is the symbol of our inner strength and conviction. She serves as a reminder that within each of us lie an unbeatable goddess force that helps us defeat our inner demons. To connect with her energies is to connect with the power of the divine Shakti and become self-reliant.

An interesting component of this workshop was an introduction to the Bach flower remedies. To explain this wonderful holistic science of healing would surely require another blog post.

Celebrating who we are

The most important essence of the workshop for me to go home with was to celebrate who I am. My strengths, weaknesses, my fears, anxieties, aspirations, all that makes me the way I am. To be myself and to live my truth – that’s above everything else. It is vital for me to take responsibility for my reality so that I can muster the courage to bring about the changes I desire. I want to give myself the gift of self-assertion over self-denial. For only then will I acknowledge the Goddess within me, and only then will I rise with her power!

Meet the Facilitators:

Ellaeenah Niloufer Jadefire is an Energy Intuit, Spiritual Counsellor & Mentor, and Life Coach for Personal Empowerment who focuses on Inner Child Work with body-mind-spirit synthesis. As a health facilitator, she practises and teaches many healing techniques like Crystals, Bach Flower Therapy, Sacred Geometry, Angel Cards, Energy Rebalancing to name a few.

Jogita Jagwani has been on a journey of wellness for many years and she believes that wellness is not just an absence of illness, it is everything that makes the person happy, healthy and whole. As a health facilitator, Jogita practices various techniques like Bach Flower Therapy, Reiki, Nutrition Guidance, Energy Healing, Ho’oponopono, Chanting and Tarot Card Readings. She is a skilled social worker, having dedicated 20 years of work to V Care Foundation, a cancer care organisation in Mumbai.

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“The practice of ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayam’ wards off disease and helps to maintain alertness.” ~Swami Sivananda

‘Prana’ is a Sanskrit word for life force and ‘ayam’ is to draw out. ‘Pranayam’ means breath control. In the traditional teachings of yoga, our breath is said to carry our life force and is a vital link between our body and mind. Breathing correctly brings about a joyful and healthy existence. Learning the benefits of breathing right is an integral part of doing yoga.

To be honest, I do not enjoy breathing exercises as much as I enjoy performing the asanas in my yoga practice. However, I do recognize the tremendous difference Pranayam can make in our lives. It is only in doing it regularly that we see the impact it has on our body and mind.

“As a fire blazes brightly when the covering of ash over it is scattered by the wind, the divine fire within the body shines in all its majesty when the ashes of desire are scattered by the practice of pranayama.” ~B.K.S.Iyengar

Some of the popular types of Pranayam are Kapalabhati, Ujjayi, Nadi Sodhana, Shitali, Bhramari, Anuloma Viloma and Bhastrika.

Benefits of Pranayam:

Reduces symptoms of various diseases

Improves digestive capabilities

Enhances levels of energy in the body

Prevents degeneration of brain cells

Weight reduction

Reduces stress and anxiety

Improvement in mood

Reduces insomnia

Quietness in your mind and nerves

Connects you to your inner self

Improves self-awareness

Pranayam techniques are highly scientific in origin as it is a systematic process of inhaling and exhaling. It is said that when we own our breath, no one can steal our peace!

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“With mindfulness, you can establish yourself in the present in order to touch the wonders of life that are available in that moment.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk fondly referred to as Thay, is a world-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader and author. I first heard of him when I received his book ‘Peace is every step’ as a gift from my then husband (life and it’s ironies). It was the first time I got introduced to the word ‘mindfulness’. Until then I knew of only the ‘mind’ being ‘full’ of noises.

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present moment,

I know this is a wonderful moment!

Thay’s key teaching is to inculcate the practice of mindfulness through which we can learn to live in peace and happiness. We are so busy getting an education and a job and material possessions, that we forget living the present moment – the only moment there is for us to be alive. He highlights some of the ways we can learn to be mindful through conscious breathing, thinking less, meditating and nourishing our awareness of the moment.

There is nothing to chase after. We can go back to ourselves, enjoy our breathing, our smiling, ourselves and our beautiful environment.

His teachings are not just theoretical but they highlight the simple ways we can be mindful and aware in our daily activities – while walking, while eating, while driving or even while washing the dishes. We don’t have to be sitting only in a meditation hall to feel peace and happiness. It is available to us at every given moment.

Being passionate about calligraphy, I also enjoy his calligraphic works and how effortlessly they flow through his hands. It a mindful art of Nhat Hanh that captures and expresses his lifetime of meditative insights, peace and compassion.

Listening to his words of immense wisdom infused with a sense of calm and a bit of humour, has been extremely soothing to the chaotic mind. He is a spiritual leader I truly admire and follow.

Key Highlights:

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

“Wearing a smile on your face is a sign that you are master of yourself.”

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

Look at some of his bestsellers here: http://amzn.to/2p7Xuda

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/.I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z.
My previous posts in chronology:

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“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~Oprah Winfrey

American television host, producer, actress, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Oprah Winfrey is a woman I greatly admire. Rising above her poverty struck childhood and rough adolescence, she went on to become the first African American billionaire. She is a role model for so many young women and surely is an inspiration for me.

Deepak Chopra is an author, public speaker, alternative medicine advocate and a prominent New Age movement figure. He is the co-founder of The Chopra Centre, a premier contributor of experiences, education and integrative approach to complete well-being.

When Oprah and Deepak come together to provide a meditation experience, it is a treat – to our ears, to our mind and to our senses.

“Meditation takes you beyond the mind’s noisy chatter into the pure awareness that is the source of all your happiness, inspiration and love.” ~Deepak Chopra

Every few months, based on a theme comes a 21 Day Meditation Experience by Oprah and Deepak. One meditation a day for 21 days. A warm introduction by Oprah followed by Deepak leading you into a soulful meditation. It is a beautiful combination of a sanskrit mantra, guidance and a centering thought for the day for all 21 days.
Their soothing sounds of calm bring immense peace to the heart. The wisdom that emanates ensues clarity of thinking in your mind. It is an experience I have benefitted from and something I eagerly look forward to.

At present they have an ongoing 21 Day Meditation Experience on ‘Hope in uncertain times’. Click here for details:

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“The thing about meditation is you become more and more you.” ~David Lynch

If there is one daily practice of mine I absolutely look forward to, it would undoubtedly be meditation! What started as an anxious mind seeking solace during a mental storm, meditation has now become a way of life.

The word meditation, is derived from two Latin words : meditari (to think, to contemplate, to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation ‘medha‘ means wisdom. Meditation means different things for different people.

I look at meditation in several ways –

Meditation for me means awareness. It means getting into a state of alert consciousness. Meditation is to connect with my higher self and to feel the presence of divinity. It is a recognition of my breath. It is the observation of my mind as a bystander. Meditation is being mindful of my life. It is to live in the present moment. Meditation is who I choose to be in my full consciousness.
Various methods are used to practice meditation for e.g. prayer beads, chanting of mantras, breathing exercises, idol worship, long sitting postures, bodily movements, lighting incense and candles, using crystals, etc. The style you are comfortable with evolves with time and practice, yet the technique is not that significant as is the experience.

How has meditation helped me?

Keeping anxiety at bay

Better clarity of thought

Calmer response to daily challenges

Increased sense of intuition

Greater productivity

Better sleep

Improved self-confidence

Wiser perspective to life

If you are new to meditation, it would be good to start with focusing on your breath for 5-10 minutes daily. Then gradually begin with listening to meditation music and short guided meditations. There are loads of options available online as well as several meditation groups in your city. It is a process of trying, absorbing and evolving. If you aren’t already meditating, I do hope you get started on this beautiful journey of self-discovery.

This post is part of the #AtoZChallenge 2017 Blogging from A to Z: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/. I write about my spiritual and personal growth influences from A to Z. My previous posts in chronology:

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“Making things positive doesn’t mean a sunny outlook; it means making the choice to see problems as opportunities.” ~ Brahma Kumaris

I happened to chance upon the ‘Awakening with Brahma Kumaris’ TV show many years ago. B K Shivani had held my attention then. I was impressed that here was truly a learned spiritual influencer who could speak with good clarity and diction.

A few days later, a dear old school friend gifted me something unique for my Birthday -‘The Happiness Index’ DVD set by the Brahma Kumaris. Some serendipity!

Listening to B K Shivani was like applying a soothing balm to the wounded heart. So much truth being spoken in such simple language. She emanates immense wisdom for practically dealing with our daily challenges. Watching this series was my introduction to the Brahma Kumaris movement and more importantly, to meditation!

No one is responsible for my hurt, pain, fear or anger. It is my own creation in response to their behaviour, and I have another choice. The choice to be happy.

What followed was my interest in some of their ways of life – the Rajyoga meditation at the B K centre, understanding the theory behind the Prajapati Baba, the divinity of the Didis and listening to the daily ‘murli‘ (divine message of the day).

People come to explore their own spirituality irrespective of their cultural backgrounds. The Brahma Kumaris meditations help develop inner calm, clear thinking and personal well-being.

‘Practical Meditation’ is a concise book on the foundation course of Rajyoga Meditation that includes Self-Awareness, Controlling Thoughts, The Law of Karma, Supreme Soul and the Eight Powers. A simple introduction to the simple ways of life, each lesson concludes with a suggested meditation.

Watch a glimpse of the first episode of ‘Awakening with Brahma Kumaris: The Happiness Index’ with Sister Shivani: https://youtu.be/YzkK2HndNuM

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“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” ~Buddha

In life’s most painful moments, the nights seem darker than ever before. Anxieties and fear grip you so hard that uninterrupted sleep becomes a rarity. And you dread waking up to the mornings that seem to have nothing to offer.

I had spent several sleepless nights turning and tossing with worries. And rose to the mornings, clouded with a sense of hopelessness.

Then one fine day, I happened to visit our family friend and philosopher guide, as well as an acclaimed author, Mr. Russi Lala. During our profound conversation, he gifted a magical book to me – ‘Opening Doors Within’ by Eileen Caddy. He asked me in his hoarse and subtly compelling voice to read it every morning, unfailingly, along with my practice of Quiet Time that he sincerely advocated. Read here: Quiet Time

Since that day, my mornings did not change. But the way I looked at my mornings had started to change.

‘Opening Doors Within’ is a divine journal that offers an inspirational message for every day of the year. The author Eileen Caddy received personal guidance from a still voice within her, a source she calls the God within. These celestial messages are like your meditations for each day – simple and practical teachings that bring hope, faith and inner peace.

It is amazing how every time when I read the message for the day, every word is just so relevant to my state of mind. As if God is reading my mind and churning out just the words needed to lift my spirits. It feels as though my own inner voice is talking to me, prompting me with some action steps in a particular direction. Guiding me, filling me with optimism and subtly nudging me to make the right choices. Thanks to this book, I now believe in small miracles.

Just while I was enjoying these daily teachings, comes along another similar gift, this time from my Dad – ‘Each Day a New Beginning’ by Karen Casey, Hazelden Meditations. It consisted of daily meditations especially meant for women. This book too had a message offered for every day, along with a quote from well-known women.

I begin my day reading the messages from these books. They are my morning dose of inspiration filling my day with renewed motivation. They serve as a daily reminder that yesterday is gone, and with each sunrise comes new hopes, new aspirations and new actions.

The way we start our mornings surely sets the tone for the entire day. So do whatever it takes for you to get inspired. So that you rise beautifully, ready to shine anew every single day!